# Chapter XX explained — With Fire and Sword

> Chapter companion for With Fire and Sword by Henryk Sienkiewicz.

## What happens

Zagloba, disguised as a blind minstrel, warns Prince Yeremi's peasants against rebellion, convincing them to flee to Hmelnitski. He then disguises Helena as a peasant boy, cutting her hair, and they flee through the wilderness, crossing the Kagamlik River and hiding in the reeds to avoid pursuit.

## Themes in this chapter

### Social Class and Identity

Zagloba manipulates peasants by exploiting their grievances against the nobility, while Helena's disguise blurs class and gender lines.

### War and Rebellion

The chapter depicts the brewing rebellion, with peasants preparing weapons and Zagloba urging them to join Hmelnitski.

### Honor and Betrayal

Zagloba's cunning deception of the peasants and the sacrifice of Helena's hair reflect themes of honor and survival.

## Character check-ins

### Pan Zagloba

Disguises himself as a blind minstrel to manipulate peasants and later cuts Helena's hair to disguise her as a boy.

### Princess Helena

Disguised as a peasant boy after cutting her hair; flees with Zagloba through the wilderness.

### Prince Yeremi Vishnyevetski

Mentioned as a fearsome prince whose impending arrival Zagloba uses to scare the peasants.

### Bogdan Hmelnitski

Referenced as the Cossack leader the peasants are urged to join against the lords.

### Pan Skshetuski

Mentioned by Zagloba in relation to Helena's hair-cutting and as a potential rescuer.

### Bogun

Mentioned as a threat Zagloba hopes Prince Yeremi will strike down.

## Key lines

> Who tells you it is time to begin?

Who says it's time to start the uprising?

_Zagloba questions the peasants' readiness to rebel._

> The prince is coming, he is coming, and with him as many beautiful plumes and banners as there are stars in heaven or thistles on the steppe.

The prince is approaching with a vast army, as numerous as stars or thistles.

_Zagloba exaggerates Prince Yeremi's forces to frighten the peasants._

> I would rather be a barber and cut Cossack tufts.

I'd prefer to be a barber cutting Cossack hair than do this.

_Zagloba expresses reluctance about cutting Helena's hair._

> Cunning as Ulysses!

As clever as Ulysses!

_Zagloba praises his own cunning._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/with_fire_and_sword_se/chapters/xx
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/with_fire_and_sword_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/with_fire_and_sword_se/chapters